Health and wellbeing | 24.03.2017

5 ways to prime your day for extreme happiness

Your next holiday might not be on the horizon, but
there’s some simple techniques you can incorporate into your daily ritual to
make you feel healthier, happier and more productive.

People who have successful outcomes and careers generally tend
to start the day with a get-up-and-go action plan as soon as their alarm rings. Sometimes it’s just a matter of creating new neural pathways, reconditioning
the way you do something and breaking old habits to give you back your
bbb... bounce.

Here’s how my day starts and usually in this order:

MORNING MEDITATION

There are many different apps available and many different
techniques, so find something that works for you. My favourite is One Giant Mind.
It stems from the Vedic tradition and works on the simplest technique of
stilling the mind. It involves deep breathing into the belly (in for 5 counts,
out for 6) and chanting a mantra such as AH HUM.

Regular meditation instils an
inner peace and can help you stay centred and balanced throughout an otherwise
challenging day. You have more awareness of the present moment and can deal
with any %*$@ sandwich that may go down in a much more grown up way. Other ups –
reduces anxiety, stress and depression and increases your happiness by generating
feel-good chemicals and calming hormones.

GRATITUDE & INTENTIONS

Write down three things you’re grateful for and three intentions
for the day. According to Alex Korb author of The Grateful Brain, gratitude
can set you up in a virtuous cycle. Research shows that gratitude stimulates the hypothalamus, which regulates anxiety. Your brain has a limited capacity to focus its attention, so
fill it with positive stimuli and it will self-perpetuate.

Steve Jobs used to look himself in the mirror each morning and
ask himself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do
what I am about to do with my day?" If he answered no too frequently, it
was a clear sign that he needed to do something to change this up. Live each
day as if it were your last or as if at any moment everything could change so
that you make the most of the day and you’re also prepared. Ask yourself: "What
3 things will make this day great and assist you and others in moving forward
in a positive direction?”

EXERCISE

Our bodies were designed to move. Emotion is energy in motion. Being sedentary
is the result of the industrial revolution. If you can’t get out for a walk,
swim or jog, try doing a combination of 10 reps consistently for 15 minutes – alternate
between squats, lunges or pushups. You can even throw in a burpee or three. These are
all full body weight bearing exercises. They'll get your heart pumping and also ward off osteoporosis.

Done! No excuse. Make sure your form is hunky dory, you’re immersed
in what you’re doing and you’re not adding stress to your body. Exercise floods
your body with serotonin, dopamine and endorphins - all the feel-good chemicals
that can set you up with a positive attitude and happy vibes for your day
ahead.

POWERHOUSE SHAKE

I was never really a breakfast eater and needed to kick-start
my metabolism. I just woke up and felt sluggish and not hungry. Now my bowels
are set to AEST wherever I am in the world. I wake up ready to release any old
gunk and now feel energised and ravenous.

I start the day with a wee cup of kefir first thing and then a
powerhouse shake usually after exercise. It’s easy to digest and gets me
through until lunchtime. I like to add greens and blues to my daily nectar to
get me fired up – usually in the form of blueberries, matcha and some kale.
They’re powerhouses of antioxidants and provide an influx of micronutrients. Chuck in some good condensed protein – paleo, vegan, or whey, whatever takes
your fancy. Check with your health practitioner for a recommendation (I use
PRANA primal protein based on naturopathic and PT recommendations) and add some well balanced seed mix (I love and recommend Kapai Puku) with a big fat dash of almond or coconut
milk. You can also add some oats or barley to get your engine humming along.

MOTIVATIONAL MATERIAL

I haven’t watched the news in years. I’m just not a fan of
corporate media (reproduced sensationalism and controlling hype) that’s mostly negative
in content. It may seem naïve and somewhat irresponsible, but most of the time I
have no idea what’s going on. Why? – because I’m much happier that way.

I also don't indulge in much social media. To be honest, if I didn't have a business, I'd avoid it all together. I’d
rather read a chapter of a motivational book, a column by a writer I admire or
listen to an inspiring podcast. It sets me up with a positive vibe.

How do you start your day and what keeps you motivated and
up? leave a comment and be in the running for $150 worth of products of your choosing.

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